“Payment for payment,” she said. “He is mine. I will kill him as I see fit, when I see fit. Isn’t that right, Jerico?”

She leaned in close, as if they were about share a kiss.

“What game are you playing?” he whispered to her.

“You aren’t saved,” she whispered back before kissing his lips. “You’ll still die, but you’ll die for me, just me…”

She stood, feeling hot jealousy rolling off Qurrah.

Good, she thought.

“Will you honor her claim?” Velixar asked.

“So be it,” Ulamn said. He drew his sword, turned, and beheaded the nearest prisoner. The other eight died just as swiftly. Blood spilled across the ground, pooling together. Ulamn hurled Jerico into it, glaring as it splashed across the paladin’s face, hair, and armor.

“Be covered in the blood of your better,” he said. “May you reek of it forever.”

The demons headed to their camps, leaving the three alone with Jerico.

“Come,” Tessanna said, waving a finger. Jerico’s bound body hovered above the ground and followed the girl into the castle. Qurrah stayed behind with Velixar.

“You scowl with jealousy,” Velixar said.

“He should be killed, not coddled,” Qurrah said, crossing his arms and looking away. “Every breath he draws is one too many.”

Velixar shook his head. “She carries your child, Qurrah. She has given you so much, and now you seethe and glare. You have no trust, no love. She is a seed, and you are the soil, and before my eyes you turn dry and hard. Do not be a fool.”

He turned and walked inside, leaving Qurrah alone beneath the stars.

O f all his armor, of all his maneuvers, the best defense Jerico knew was prayer, and so pray he did as Tessanna eyed him, her dagger drawn.

“Guide me, Lord,” he prayed. “May I trust the dawn to come, no matter how dark the night.”